The Best Tours in El Nido Palawan

The El Nido group of islands in Palawan, Philippines is frequently voted as one of the most beautiful places in the entire world, and with the vast array of hidden beaches, mysterious caves, coral reefs and crystal clear waters it is not hard to see why. We show you the best tours in El Nido, so you can experience everything this magical place has to offer.

Palawan – the gateway to El Nido - is just a little over an hour’s flight from Manila, so if you are visiting the capital city and wondering where to go next, you really should not miss the chance to holiday in this paradise.

If you have an interest in eco-travel, this destination will really tickle your fancy. El Nido possesses a rugged and natural beauty and strict rules apply to tourists around conservation; for example, visitors cannot bring plastic packaging into the island region by boat. This measure is in place to help protect the diverse ecosystem and unique animals that call this slice of heaven home, including dolphins and dugongs, which can be found in the waters just off the islands.

With exotic animals, tropical waters and an easy-to-get-to location, El Nido must now be at the top of the list of places to holiday, right? Here's our guide to the best tours in El Nido:

It goes without saying that when you are visiting a place you have only seen in your dreams, a lot of your time is going to be spent just kicking back and soaking it all in. El Nido’s beauty revolves around its translucent waters, unique islands and mystical caves – and you are going to want to see them all!

One of the most convenient ways to get around to as many El Nido sites as possible is by taking a day tour through the El Nido Islands.

On this tour you will be whisked away to paradise and your first stop will be Miniloc Island. Miniloc Island is home to three stunning lagoons that will leave you wondering how a waterway could be so magical. There are lots of craggy rock formations and alluring caves to explore if you are more of the adventurous type, or you can simply take a dip if you would prefer. After you have had your fill you will be taken to Shimuzu Island, which is famous for its pure white sand and untouched natural beauty.

A visit to 7 Commando Beach and the chance to snorkel with wild turtles rounds out the full-day tour before you are dropped back to your hotel with sun-kissed skin and some beautiful new destinations stored in your memory (and your phone!). ;-)

El Nido is completely spectacular, but did you know it also has historical significance? If you choose to snorkel or scuba dive in the inviting water, you may spot one of the shipwrecks that have called the ocean floor home since their demise in World War II.

On this island hopping tour, you'll visit Cudugnon Cave, which was used as a hiding spot by the locals when the Japanese invaded the area during wartime. Your guide will fill you in on more of the little quirks and interesting facts about this area as your tour progresses.

One of the lesser-known spots you will visit on the tour is Pinagbuyutan Island, which is a small but imposing island with towering cliffs taking up most of the space. The beachfront is slim and features nothing but a small shack, glistening white sand and some palm trees. Pinagbuyutan Island is hideously underrated but luckily for you, you may be one of just a few people there when you stop by.

Snake Island is another destination on this tour’s itinerary. But don’t worry! There is no need for concern - this island is not named for its reptile infestation like the Snake Island off Brazil. This one got its name from its unique, long and skinny sandbar that feeds well out into the ocean and can only be viewed at low tide.

Phew! That is one big day filled with exquisite beauty, captivating history and thrilling adventure and it is all something you can experience if you elect to take this tour. Reviewers have said they love this tour as it is even more off-the-beaten track, which in El Nido, must be pretty far.

One of the most unique things you can see in El Nido is Helicopter Island, an island that looks like, well, a helicopter. Don’t believe us? You will just have to go there and see for yourself!

On this full-day tour, you will start off by visiting the famed limestone island before stopping off at Matinloc Shrine, a deserted shrine that is nestled at the base of the cliff on Matinloc Island. After taking in the sights and learning about its background, you will enjoy a sumptuous barbecue lunch before setting off once again for Secret Beach. Yep, you guessed it, it’s a secluded location that cannot be seen from the shoreline. Some might say its…a secret.

Tucked away in your own covert world, you can go exploring and you may just happen across another private gem – Hidden Beach.

Relax, read, swim or wander - whatever way you choose to spend your time, you will feel completely off the grid, like a castaway without a care in the world.

Can you imagine anything more dreamy than a day out sailing around tropical islands on a 50 ft catamaran, stopping in at sublime locations including Small Lagoon, Cadlao Lagoon, Pasandigan Cove and Ipil Beach before enjoying a picnic lunch? No? Neither can we.

Luckily, this dream can be turned into a reality with a Luxury Catamaran Tour. On this tour of El Nido, you can live like the rich and famous and take plenty of photos to prove it as you go cruising around in a setting that is so perfect it is bound to give everyone back home some profoundly serious FOMO.

With this tour, you will be looked after by experienced guides who will make sure you enjoy the very best of El Nido and who will see that you have loads of chances to swim, snorkel or go kayaking as you get to each location throughout the day.

Between stop-offs you can stretch out on the deck, catch some of that famous Philippine sunshine and marvel at the way it makes the water glisten as you take in a good dose of Vitamin D.

With hotel pick-up and drop-off included as well, all you need to do is slip, slop, slap and sit back as you are taken to some of the most magical places on the planet.

If you like the sound of this tour, but don't need to do it on a luxury catamaran - opt for this Tour D tour.

If you prefer something a little more rustic, you will love cruising around in this 1960s wooden vessel.

Starting off at a leisurely hour of the morning, this classic teakwood vessel will pick you up from a convenient location and set off across the sparkling sea on your full day boat tour. You will spend the whole day dipping in and out of the secluded beaches and other picturesque areas including Cudognon Cave, Snake Island and Pinagbuyutan Island, you will have ample time to swim and snorkel in the tropical waters, exploring the best of what nature has to offer.

A delicious lunch is also included on this El Nido tour, so there is nothing to think about except how many shades of blue you can see in the water.

Bonus tip: this boat is said to weather choppy water better than others, so if you are worried about seasickness, this is likely to be a better option for you than a catamaran.

It may just be a small group of islands, but there is plenty to do in and around El Nido. With all of these amazing options, you may just want to try them all!

And once you've done that... give these a go: